Method and apparatus for vehicle coupling
First Claim
1. Apparatus for coupling a vehicle to an energy exchange network comprising:
- a service node controller including a coupling service and another service;
an access controller coupled to the service node controller for limiting access to service initiated access;
a first wireless transceiver coupled to the service node controller for establishing a wireless communications channel with a vehicle within a first zone;
a second wireless transceiver coupled to the access controller for establishing a proximity detection channel with the vehicle within a second zone itself within the first zone; and
a service port for physically coupling to the vehicle and coupled to the access controller.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An energy exchange network provides a coupling service to users of the network. Access to a user through an access controller is controlled initially by allowing only the coupling service to communicate with the user. Several wireless communications zones are established so that the vehicle can be identified and guided to effect coupling. The coupling service effects control of the physical connection of a user vehicle to the energy exchange network. Typically, other services are subsequently provided and a service is not given more access than needed at any point in the sequence, hence a user can only respond to the service currently connected and cannot access other services. The coupling service automates connection to the energy exchange network while protecting the network against unauthorized access. A security service is associated with the coupling service to provide various levels of security for users of the coupling service.
45 Citations
20 Claims
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1. Apparatus for coupling a vehicle to an energy exchange network comprising:
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a service node controller including a coupling service and another service;
an access controller coupled to the service node controller for limiting access to service initiated access;
a first wireless transceiver coupled to the service node controller for establishing a wireless communications channel with a vehicle within a first zone;
a second wireless transceiver coupled to the access controller for establishing a proximity detection channel with the vehicle within a second zone itself within the first zone; and
a service port for physically coupling to the vehicle and coupled to the access controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A station for coupling vehicles to an energy exchange network comprising:
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a station node controller for communicating with an energy exchange network;
a service node controller including a coupling service and another service;
an access controller coupled to the service node controller for limiting access to service initiated access;
a first wireless transceiver coupled to the service node controller for establishing a wireless communications channel with a vehicle within a first zone; and
a plurality of service terminals, each service terminals comprising;
a second wireless transceiver coupled to the access controller for establishing a proximity detection channel with the vehicle within a second zone; and
a service port for physically coupling to the vehicle and coupled to the access controller.
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14. A residential arrangement for coupling vehicles to an energy exchange network comprising:
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a service node controller for communicating with an energy exchange network and including a coupling service and another service;
an access controller coupled to the service node controller for limiting access to service initiated access; and
a service port for servicing a vehicle within a parking stall having a first wireless transceiver coupled to the access controller for establishing a wireless communications channel with the vehicle within a first zone within the parking stall;
a second wireless transceiver coupled to the access controller for establishing a proximity detection channel with the vehicle within a second zone itself within the first zone; and
a service port coupled to the access controller for physically coupling to the vehicle.
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15. A method of coupling a vehicle to an energy exchange network the method comprising the steps of:
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initiating communication with a vehicle in a first zone;
identifying the vehicle from the communication;
detecting the vehicle in a second zone;
providing feedback to cause the vehicle to be positioned appropriately for coupling; and
effecting physical coupling to the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification